Senate to open impeachment trial to public

MANILA, June 29 ------ The clerk of the Impeachment Court on Sunday said that the Senate premises will be opened to Filipinos who would want to watch the impeachment trial, set to start on July 6, live.

Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., on DZMM Teleradyo, said certain seats will be allocated to the public. "Pwedeng walk-in pero kailangan mag-register sa Visitor Management ng Senado. Yung reservation ay maaring gawing online," Bantug said. However, the main plenary hall of the Senate has limited seating capacity, with only 340 in the gallery and 30 at the VIP box.

The highly-anticipated trial is also expected to be heavily publicized on various TV and online streaming platforms. Bantug said seats that the prosecution, defense, and Senate staff will be allocated to the public. "One-third sa inimbitahan ng prosecution, one-third sa defense, one-third sa general public," Bantug said.

The clerk of court said they are in the thick of preparations for the trial which commences on July 6. "Yung aming preparasyon itong bukas at Martes kailangan mag-ikot at matingnan at ma-check yung mga rooms na gagamitin, audio sa session hall. More on the physical logistics na tayo," he said.

Vice President Sara Duterte is facing a looming trial over alleged offenses that include the misuse of confidential funds and unexplained wealth.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com